Coco Gauff suffers stunning first-round defeat as Wimbledon shocks continue
The resounding loss was the 21-year-old's second round-one exit in three years in SW19 following defeat to compatriot Sofia Kenin at this stage in 2023.
"It's the win of her career."
No.1 Court is stunned as Dayana Yastremska defeats No.2 seed Coco Gauff 7-6(3), 6-1 😲#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/pZYylWHcs8
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2025
While dejected world number two Gauff delivered nine double faults and only six winners compared with 29 unforced errors in an erratic display, Nottingham Open runner-up Yastremska produced the performance of her career.
'It was a great match – I was really on fire,' the 25-year-old said on court following her maiden victory over Gauff at the fourth attempt
'Playing against Coco it is something special. She's a great player and a great person. I enjoyed a lot and these courts are made for the greatest players so I'm very grateful to be on this court.
'My preparation before the grass season didn't go very well – I got sick at Roland Garros and I only trained two days on grass. It was pretty unexpected but it has been a great season for me. I love playing on grass, I feel like this season we are friends!
'I hope the road will continue, and it is a pleasure being here.'
Earlier, world number three Jessica Pegula struggled to explain her shock exit as she praised the 'insane' performance of opponent Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
Last year's US Open runner-up was beaten 6-2 6-3 in just 58 minutes as Italian world number 116 Cocciaretto celebrated the greatest win of her career.
Asked what went wrong, the 31-year-old American, who lost in the first round of a grand slam for the first time since the 2020 French Open, replied: 'I don't know. She played absolutely incredible tennis.
'Do I think I played the best match ever? No. But I definitely don't think I was playing bad.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto, take a bow 👏
The Italian beats No.3 seed Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-3 to storm into the second round of #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/oGWnAVK4BJ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2025
'It's really a bummer to lose. I haven't lost first round of a slam in a very long time, so that sucks.
'I'm upset that I wasn't able to turn anything around. But at the same time, I do feel like she played kind of insane. Hats off to her. Kudos to her for playing at a high level that I couldn't match it today.'
Cocciaretto, who had only once before defeated a top-10 player, spectacularly turned the tables on Pegula, having suffered a 6-4 6-0 round-three loss to her in SW19 in 2023.
Barbora Krejcikova avoided being added to the short list of reigning champions to suffer first-round eliminations by battling back to beat Eastbourne Open runner-up Alexandra Eala in three sets.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto shakes hands with Jessica Pegula after her first-round shock (Ben Whitley/PA)
The 29-year-old Czech was in danger of joining compatriot Marketa Vondrousova and 22-time grand slam winner Steffi Graf in the history books.
But, having come into the championship nursing a thigh issue after struggling for form and fitness all year, she dug in to progress 3-6 6-2 6-1 against 20-year-old Filipino Eala on Centre Court.
'Six months ago, I was in a lot of pain with my back and I didn't really know how my career is going to go,' Krejcikova said in her on-court interview.
'I'm super happy and super excited that I can be here and that I can play on such a great court.'
"First of all, big credit to her."
Barbora Krejcikova is full of praise for 20-year-old Alexandra Eala following their three-set battle 👏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/bqk7J3VZxp
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2025
Two-time champion Petra Kvitova bid farewell to Wimbledon following a 6-3 6-1 loss to 10th seed Emma Navarro.
The 35-year-old wild card, who returned to the tour in February following the birth of son Petr last summer, intends to retire after this year's US Open.
Kvitova was a surprise winner of a maiden grand slam title at the All England Club in 2011 thanks to victory over Maria Sharapova before beating Eugenie Bouchard in the 2014 final.
Speaking on court, she said: 'Thank you for the atmosphere, it was wonderful to play on this beautiful court. Congrats Emma. I wish we could have played for a bit longer. I never dreamed of winning Wimbledon and I did it twice so this is something very special.
'I will miss Wimbledon, I will miss tennis, I will miss you fans but I am ready for the next chapter of life as well. I can't wait to be back as a member.'
Five-time major winner Iga Swiatek overcame Polina Kudermetova 7-5 6-1, while 18-year-old seventh seed Mirra Andreeva beat Mayar Sherif 6-3 6-3.
But fifth seed Zheng Qinwen was knocked out by Czech world number 81 Katerina Siniakova in three sets.
Queen's champion Tatjana Maria, who reached the semi-finals in 2022, lost in three sets to American Katie Volynets while Eastbourne winner Maya Joint was beaten by Russian 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
20 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Assistant coach Jeetan Patel admits 151 overs in field had taken toll on England
Captain Shubman Gill ground down the hosts with a superb 269, occupying the crease for eight and a half hours as he guided his side to a formidable score of 587. That is the most England have conceded since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over the team three years ago and they were creaking at the end of 151 overs in the field. Shubman Gill's superb double hundred put India in control (Martin Rickett/PA) The strain showed as India picked off their top three in eight overs with the new ball, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope dismissed for ducks off successive deliveries from Akash Deep as they finished 510 adrift on 77 for three. 'Spending 151 overs in the dirt in any scenario is pretty tough. There's some tired minds and tired bodies,' said assistant coach Jeetan Patel. 'You put in that much effort and it's not just physical, it's mental as well. Credit to Shubman for the way he's batted over two days, it was a masterclass in how to bat on a good wicket. The guys threw everything at them, and rightly so, but they're very tired for their efforts. 'They'll get a good night's rest tonight.' Brydon Carse has been hampered by toe problems (Joe Giddens/PA) Brydon Carse was down on pace and amid concerns that the toe problems that forced him to withdraw from the Champions Trophy earlier this year had resurfaced, with Patel hinting that he would now be rested for next week's third Test at Lord's. First, though, there are three hard days ahead. A draw would be the likeliest route to preserving England's 1-0 lead but that option is anathema to Stokes' side, who have upset cricketing logic on three different occasions to win after conceding over 500. Asked if England still felt they can turn things around, Patel said: 'One hundred per cent, I've said this many a time and (people) keep laughing at me. 'We will find another way of trying to get over the line. That's the beauty of the team we have, the players we have and the belief they have. There is lots of cricket to go on a fast-scoring ground and you never know what can happen.' Ravindra Jadeja says India's only concern is taking 20 wickets (Martin Rickett/PA) England's commitment to the positive approach is understandable given they chased down a lofty target of 371 to win the series opener but India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja had a sharp response. 'In cricket, in press conferences, you can talk whatever you want to talk,' he said. 'It's none of my business, but at the end of the day you have to go out and perform and take those 20 wickets. That's all that matters.'
South Wales Argus
21 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Xu walking on air after advancing to Wimbledon second round
Making their Grand Slam doubles debut after being awarded wild cards, Xu and good friend McDonald made a rousing first impression on the home crowd, defeating Linda Noskova and Rebecca Šramková 6-4 6-7(1) 6-3 to clinch a maiden win in SW19. It was only on Monday that Xu made her Grand Slam singles debut when she took on Emma Raducanu and with the milestones coming thick and fast, Xu is enjoying every moment. "It feels amazing and to do it with Ella as well," said Xu. We're really good friends on and off the court so to get through to the second round and our first Grand Slam wins feels amazing. "We played with each other three years ago and won a tournament there and carried on that winning streak so we get on really well. It was a bit of a last minute pairing and we're glad that it happened. "We were able to stay positive throughout the whole match. We played the right way, aggressively and went after it and that gave us the edge." McDonald added: "We're really happy. We played together a couple of years ago and haven't played since then so it's really nice to get back together on-court. "We compliment each other really well and keep pushing each other in tighter moments and using our set plays and have a really positive energy." Xu and McDonald's next challenge is a meeting with the seeded all-American pair of Caroline Dolehide and Sofia Kenin. Wimbledon is famous for its fervent support of home talent and Xu hopes to use the adoration of the crowd as the launchpad to further success in SW19. "At the moment, we're not feeling too much pressure," said Xu. "We're the young ones. We're the underdogs all the time and it's a good chance to play with that freedom. We've been enjoying every moment and using the crowd to our advantage. "They love a British underdog, a combo like that so it's a really good atmosphere there for us to go out and play." McDonald added: "Considering it's our first Grand Slam doubles debut, there's not much pressure at all because we're just going out there to have fun and to have a swing and you never know what can happen. We just take it one day at a time." For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.
Scottish Sun
40 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Devastated Arne Slot says Liverpool will sing Diogo Jota's song and never forget star as managers & players pay tribute
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DEVASTATED Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the club will sing tragic Diogo Jota's song and vowed the unique player will never be forgotten. The club boss said he wished he had the words 'but know I do not' to pay tribute after the star's death in a car crash early yesterday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 13 Liverpool fans leave tributes for deceased star Diogo Jota Credit: PA 13 Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the club will sing tragic Diogo Jota's song and vowed the unique player will never be forgotten Credit: Getty 13 Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was heartbroken by the death of his 'great friend' Credit: Alamy 13 It came as former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was heartbroken by the death of his 'great friend' and posted a photo of the pair hugging on the pitch, He wrote on social media: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!' FA Patron Prince William also mourned the deaths of the 28-year-old player and his brother André, 26, saying: 'As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.' READ MORE ON DIOGO JOTA STAR LOST Liverpool stars and manager Arne Slot pay tribute with funeral to start on Friday In a statement issued by the club, Slot revealed his last conversation with Diogo was to congratulate him on winning the Nations League, and wish him luck for his wedding. He said it had been a 'dream summer' for the player. He said Jota summed up the essence of a Liverpool player, with 'hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals'. And he vowed: 'When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota. We will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.' And referencing the song fans sang from the stands for the star, he finished his statement: 'His name is Diogo.' Slot said when he first joined the club last year he realised fans 'had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities'. 'Profound loss and shock' - Martin Lipton on death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies aged 28 in tragic car crash He described him as 'a person who never sought popularity but found it anyway'. Jurgen Klopp signed Jota from Wolves in September 2020, and the pair became very close. Jurgen said: 'I'm heartbroken. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!' Tributes from around the world, across sport and politics, poured in for the Liverpool forward and his brother, who was also a footballer. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo Flowers, scarves and messages were laid outside Anfield stadium, where flags flew at half mast, with fans in floods of tears paying their respects. Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said his pal's tragic death 'doesn't make any sense'. What we know so far: He shared a black and white photo of Jota and said: 'Just now we were together in the national team, just now you got married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. 'I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.' England and ex-Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold said: 'It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone.' The Portuguese national team said they are devastated, adding Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the team, but also an extraordinary person. Diogo's former club, FC Porto, said it is in mourning. André was also a youth player there. The Premier League described Jota — who won the competition earlier this year — as a 'champion who will be forever missed'. Uefa said its thoughts were with those affected 'by this heartbreaking loss'. 13 The Liverpool flag flies at half-mast outside Anfield Credit: PA 13 Fans of rival club Everton have also laid tributes at Anfield Credit: PA 13 Wreckage from the tragic crash It said a silence will be observed at Women's Euro 2025 matches yesterday and today. Ex-Liverpool star and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said he was 'absolutely devastated' and Liverpool's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15 will be an 'outpouring of emotion'. An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P Ex-Wolves forward Raul Jimenez He said: 'In a state of shock. It's so sad and devastating for his wife and three wonderful children.' Jota's Portugal and former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves, said: 'They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.' Ex-Wolves forward Raul Jimenez paid tribute, adding: 'An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P.' Wolves said he will be 'missed and always remembered'. England's Jude Bellingham sent 'love and strength' to the star's family. Comedian and Liverpool fan John Bishop described the news as heartbreaking. US basketball star LeBron James, a part-owner of Liverpool, wrote on X: 'My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You'll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!' Manchester City ace Jack Grealish posted a picture of the forward, adding: 'Honestly lost for words. So heartbreaking.' Yesterday, Liverpool fans stood in stunned silence outside Anfield. Many hugged each other in disbelief as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy. Deputy PM Angela Rayner, arrived to lay flowers, saying: 'I'm absolutely devastated for his wife, his children and his family. Just seeing the outpouring across the whole of the city is incredible.' Manchester United fan Joe Parsons laid his club scarf at the memorial when he visited with wife Kelly, a Liverpool fan. Joe, 40, said: 'After I put the scarf down, it was amazing how many Liverpool fans shook my hand. 'This isn't about club rivalry. I had to show my respects. It's a loss to the whole city. I live in the city. 'I've seen tributes from Everton and Rangers too. It's the football community coming together.' 13 Prince William paid tribute to Diogo and his brother 13 Wolves released a statement following the star's death Credit: instagram 13 Jude Bellingham's tribute to Diogo Jota 13 Trent Alexander Arnold's tribute to Diogo on social media 13 Liverpool fan John Bishop's tribute to Jota 13 Former Reds defender Carragher's Jota tribute
